On What Authority Do You Determine Your Theology?
The Process of Making a Wise, Theological Opinion – Part 1
As we began discussing in yesterday’s post, as a fellow follower of Jesus Christ, a local church pastor, and a seminary professor, I often enjoy conversations with others related to the meaning of particular verses, the substance of a particular theology, or the practical application of a particular principle. As the author of this blog for the past seven years, I also receive many questions, seek to provide answers as I can, and take specific (and sometimes not very popular) positions. In every one of those areas, the ultimate question that must be answered by me, other followers of Christ, pastors, professors, writers, and anyone else striving to honor God in daily living, On what authority do you determine your theology?
When varying views get discussed, each person rests his or her position / opinion on a some kind of foundation. This foundation refers to the authority for one’s particular argument. As discussed in yesterday, some common foundations include Personal Experience, Personal Opinion, and Empirical Research.
Applied to Theological Disagreements
Often, many sides exist to a particular theological debate. Let me suggest three questions that are important in any particular disagreement:
- What is the authority used to determine one’s particular position?
- Are the disagreements on the theological level or the wisdom level? (Is this primarily a disagreement of what is believed or how what is believed gets functionally practiced?)
- How do these disagreements relate to overall orthodoxy (big picture – what one believes) and orthopraxy (big picture – how one acts)?
These three questions relate in almost every instance of disagreement.
For a theological position related to the meaning of particular verses, the substance of a particular theology, or the practical application of a particular principle, the hope and ultimate veracity of a person’s position is determined by the authority underlying the argument. The authority for the believer must be God’s Word (2 Tim 3:16-17; cf., Ps 19:7-9; 119:98-100, 104). True wisdom and discretion begin with God’s perspective (Prov 1:2-7).
The authority issue is a foundational issue in theological discussion. Whatever you base your claims on matters. Therefore, the process of making a wise, theological opinion becomes important.
The Process of Making a Wise, Theological Opinion
One’s opinion, thought, or action always rests upon some belief. That particular belief depends upon some authority. Often, the authority used to determine one’s opinion, thought, or action disappears into the background of the conversation, is implicit, and usually understated. Therefore, the process one goes through to determine his or her position becomes vital.
In this post, we will simply consider step one.
Step One: Be Aware of False, Potential Authorities for Theological Opinions / Arguments
As those who desire to honor God in our lives, we must think carefully through the process of making a theological opinion / argument based upon God’s Word as the authority over against other false, potential authorities for Christian living, such as Personal Experience, Personal Opinion, Empirical Research, and Culture. Although important to an overall conversation, each of these other four categories fail as authorities for theological opinion. Over against God’s Word, if these function as the authority, then the Bible or God’s opinion will be subjugated to these other false sources of truth. Each of these categories of false authorities must submit to God’s Word as the authority, not vice versa.
Personal Experience
Personal Experience must be subjected to the Word of God. The Bible provides the means through which to evaluate one’s experience, not one’s experience the lens through which to view the Bible.
Real-life Illustration of the False Authority: I have been here before when someone lied to me. It won’t happen again. I refuse to believe this person.[1]
Biblical Authority: I have been lied to before so I am tempted to not believe you. Yet, I realize the Bible says to trust your word. It may be difficult and you may need to help me, but I am going to try to believe you.
Personal Opinion or Personal Logic
Personal Opinion or Personal Logic both matter as they provide a sense of personal preference and structure to one’s argument. However, both one’s opinion and logic suffer under the effects of depravity. Neither stand as authorities over the absolute truth of Scripture.
Real-life Illustration of the False Authority: You can talk as long as you want to do so, but you will never convince me that what you are saying makes any sense. How could a good God allow this?
Biblical Authority: What you are telling me from the Bible does not fit my personal logic at all. I am struggling with the question, Why would a good God allow this to happen? Yet, I see what the Bible says in this text. Oh God, help me to believe your Word and live in light of it instead of my own logic.
Empirical Research
Empirical Research fascinates most people and leaves them with a sense of awe. Although, again, empirical research suffers under the same limits as experience and logic. The finite, fallen person who conducts the research inevitably introduces his or her own twist as to what variables are chose to research or not research, what observations are important and unimportant for the study, and the interpretation of the results. Empirical research is only as good as the personal theology of the one doing the research. As such, it never sits as an authority over the truth of God’s Word.
Real-life Illustration of the False Authority: Research has proven that a gene in our DNA genetically influences a person do this. We must treat this as a biological fact. There’s nothing we can do to change this.
Biblical Authority: I find it interesting that although researchers now say that this particular behavior is caused by a gene in our DNA, the Bible says we sin by nature and choice. This sin and all sin are part of being in Adam. Interesting enough, this research seemingly confirms what the Bible has taught for millennia: the fall of sin affected every aspect of human functioning. Thankfully, the Bible also provided the solution for it as well.
Culture
Culture sneaks in often unaware to take away the authority from God and the Bible. Through preconceived ideas and beliefs picked up through the milieu of one’s particular culture and/or culture in general, God’s Word loses its authority for viewing a particular issue or problem. Instead, culture becomes the lens through which an opinion is formulated.
Real-life Illustration of the False Authority: I hear that people like me who commit these kinds of acts cannot change. My best hope is that I learn to cope with who I am and learn to function better in society under these constraints.
Biblical Authority: Although change at times seems very unlikely, I’m glad the Bible explains that God changes the heart, which, in turn, changes attitudes and behaviors. Where the world gives me no chance of change, the Bible says I am a new creation in Christ who can now live for the glory of God.
Looking Forward
Step One: Be Aware of False, Potential Authorities for Theological Opinions / Arguments
As you consider your opinion, you must ask how your opinion is influenced by one of these false, potential authorities.
Instead of succumbing to false authorities, we strive to live consistently under the fear of God where we respect all that He wants and seek to believe consistent with Him. We strive for God-honoring, Christlike beliefs and behaviors. Since God’s opinion matters most, we want to understand it and live in light of it.
Tomorrow Step Two in the process of making a wise, theological position.
[1] These illustrations are generic by design so as to not distract from the main point.
Image Credit Aaron Burden
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
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